Overview

A first science book that introduce young readers to core science concepts through fresh, graphic illustrations, engaging stories, and supplemental activity suggestions.

Oscar is a curious kitten, and at the pond he is full of questions about growing things. Luckily, Frog can help with the answers — after all, he’s gone through some impressive changes himself! From butterflies to ducks, plants to kittens like him, Oscar finds out how living things begin, why they eat, and how they grow. Includes lesson summaries!

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Editorial Reviews

Children's Literature

Oscar, the curious cat, is visiting a nearby pond. He spots some small creatures and wonders what they are. A wise frog explains that he had once been a tadpole, which Oscar finds hard to believe. So the frog describes the life cycle of his species. Then he talks about other living beings that begin as eggs laid in water, hatch, and grow into different-looking creatures, such as snails, dragonflies, and perch. The frog looks out onto the land and tells Oscar about caterpillars turning into butterflies and birds beginning as eggs. His lesson continues with the discussion of plants and seeds. Some seeds are inside the fruit and others are on the outside. Oscar wants to know about his beginnings, so the frog explains live birth and mothers providing milk for their young. They talk about other kinds of nourishment and the length of time different species take to reach maturity. A two-page chart at the end of the book summarizes the information and an index aids in finding specific facts. Large illustrations in muted colors clearly depict Oscar and his observations. A good introduction to life cycles. “Start with Science” series. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.